The Brazilian national volleyball team, despite an impressive 3-2 victory over Italy, dropped to second place in the Nations League standings. This match was the seventh for both teams in the tournament.
Before the game, Brazil held the top position thanks to four consecutive wins, while Italy was in third place with three victories, including a win over the leader – the Polish team.
The match lasted all five sets, so both teams earned two points each for a win in the tiebreaker, instead of the maximum three.
The first set started with Italy in the lead, maintaining their advantage until the middle of the set, but Brazil managed to turn the game around and win 25-22. In the second set, Italy fought back, winning 25-21.
The third set was the longest, with the teams alternating a three-point lead, and the winner was decided only after a fierce battle – 33-31 in favor of Brazil. The fourth set was controlled by Italy, who won 25-17.
In the tiebreak, the Brazilians proved stronger, securing a 15-13 victory. The top scorer of the match was Brazil’s outside hitter Alan Souza, who scored 31 points.
“This victory is extremely important. We know that [Italy] has a very strong team, and we are just beginning to work as one unit,” Souza said. “I think today’s performance showed that we can play at a very high level. I feel confident that I am currently showing my best game, and the team helps me a lot with that.”
This win allowed Brazil to extend their winning streak to five, but the team lost the top spot in the standings. Poland, who defeated the USA 3-0, moved into first place with one point more.
Top 8 of the 2025 Nations League Standings
1. Poland – 6 wins (7 matches), 18 points (20:7 in sets)
2. Brazil – 6 wins (7), 17 points (20:7)
3. Italy – 5 wins (7), 14 points (18:12)
4. Japan – 4 wins (7), 12 points (15:11)
5. France – 4 wins (7), 12 points (16:12)
6. Ukraine – 4 wins (7), 12 points (16:13)
7. Cuba – 4 wins (7), 12 points (16:14)
8. Bulgaria – 4 wins (7), 11 points (13:12)
The next match of the second week of the Nations League will take place on June 30 at 00:00 Kyiv time, where the Brazilian and Polish teams will face off in a head-to-head encounter.